The Rivers State Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate and rescued four children, aged between one and 13, in the Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt. Police arrested Esther Anthony and an accomplice in connection with the trafficking.

According to police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, the children were being kept in a guest house, Alaeze Guest House, and were set to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth for illegal trafficking. The guest house manager became suspicious and prevented Anthony from checking out with the children. Anthony later returned with police officers, falsely accusing the manager of abducting the children, but the manager had already contacted authorities, leading to Anthony’s arrest.

Investigations revealed that Anthony, along with accomplice Favour, had been trafficking the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State. Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested. The police confirmed that Esther Anthony had previously been involved in the theft and sale of three children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt.

The suspects have confessed to their crimes, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department. The children have been safely reunited with their families, and the suspects will face charges in court soon.